Files, data, software, all come and go, it’s common knowledge. Over time you store and then delete huge amounts of data from your hard drive, but while the process of deleting files is very much welcomed when you want to free up much needed space, the same cannot be said about those rare occasions when you find that you have deleted a file by accident. Or the times when you let someone else use your computer and realize that some of your files have been deleted. Accidental or not, the process of deleting files comes undone when you have the right piece of software.

Recuva is a free piece of software that will scan your hard drive and bring your deleted files back to life. You may have problems with the software’s name but you will certainly not have any problems using its full functionality.

Recuva can perform several tasks for you. First of all, it will restore accidentally deleted files. For example, if you move a file to the Recycle Bin and then someone else empties it, Recuva can recover that file for you in case you want it back. Secondly, when data from memory cards or portable music players is lost due to user error and you want to get it back – Recuva can also do that for you. Last but not least, when a virus, computer bug, or software crash causes you to lose data and you want it back – Recuva, you’ve guessed it, can do that for you!

Just launch Recuva, select the drive where your lost files were stored, and hit the scan button. The software will automatically scan that drive and present you with a detailed list of the files that have been deleted and that Recuva can recover for you. For your convenience you can sort that list and swiftly locate the file you want to recover. Alternatively, you can use the customizable filter tool for the same task. The step by step wizard is intuitive and simple enough to allow anyone to find a desired file in the shortest time possible. The program includes a Deep Scan feature, which analyzes each hard disk cluster, but may require a lot of time to find the desired files and folders, especially if we are talking about a large hard disk.

Keep in mind that your chances of recovering a deleted file go down the more you wait. But if you run Recuva a short time after a file is deleted, your chances of recovering that file are very high.

Pros The program is very simple to use, as it includes a step by step wizard. Besides that, it includes Deep Scan feature, which raises the chances of finding the desired deleted file or folder.

Cons Sometimes you may not recover a deleted file.

Recuva can efficiently recover all your lost files and folders from the hard disk, no matter if they were deleted or lost during the formatting of a partition.

Jerome is a software review editor at FindMySoft.com and he likes to write about all that's new and interesting in the software industry. He has graduated from the Computer Science Faculty and he learned a lot about programming and Information Technology.You can follow him on Google+,
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Recuva Awards

Recuva Editor's Review Rating

Recuva has been reviewed by Jerome Johnston on
09 May 2012. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated
Recuva 5
out of 5 stars, naming it Essential